Systems and methods for pursuit governance in a monitoring system

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and method for supporting enhanced target pursuit. As an example, a system is disclosed that includes a monitoring device including: a location determination circuit and a controller circuit. The location determination circuit is operable to identify a location of the monitoring device. The controller circuit is operable to: receive a request to modify a schedule of location updates from a standard mode schedule to a pursuit mode schedule, where the standard mode schedule calls for updating the location of the monitoring device at a lower rate than the pursuit mode schedule; and cause an increase in the rate of updating and reporting the location in accordance with the request to modify.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to (i.e., is a non-provisionalof) U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/970,756 entitled “Pursuit Mode in a TrackingSystem”, and filed Mar. 26, 2014 by Buck et al. The entirety of theaforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to monitoring movement, and inparticular to systems and methods for supporting target pursuit in amonitoring system.

Large numbers of individuals are currently monitored as part of parolerequirements or other requirements. Such monitoring allows a monitoringagency to determine whether the individual is engaging in acceptablepatterns of behavior, and where an unacceptable behavior is identifiedto stop such behavior going forward. In many monitoring systems, thelack of up to date monitoring information limits the ability of amonitoring agency to support a pursuit of an individual operatingoutside of a defined acceptable pattern of behavior.

Thus, for at least the aforementioned reasons, there exists a need inthe art for more advanced approaches, devices and systems formonitoring.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to monitoring movement, and inparticular to systems and methods for supporting target pursuit in amonitoring system.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide monitoring systemsthat include a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes: alocation determination circuit and a controller circuit. The locationdetermination circuit is operable to identify a location of themonitoring device, and the controller circuit is operable to: receive arequest to modify a schedule of location updates from a standard modeschedule to a pursuit mode schedule, wherein the standard mode schedulecalls for updating the location of the monitoring device at a lower ratethan the pursuit mode schedule; and cause an increase in the rate ofupdating and reporting the location in accordance with the request tomodify.

This summary provides only a general outline of some embodimentsaccording to the present invention. Many other objects, features,advantages and other embodiments of the present invention will becomemore fully apparent from the following detailed description, theappended claims and the accompanying drawings and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the various embodiments of the presentinvention may be realized by reference to the figures which aredescribed in remaining portions of the specification. In the figures,similar reference numerals are used throughout several drawings to referto similar components. In some instances, a sub-label consisting of alower case letter is associated with a reference numeral to denote oneof multiple similar components. When reference is made to a referencenumeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intendedto refer to all such multiple similar components.

FIG. 1a is a block diagram illustrating a monitoring system includingpursuit mode control in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1b is a block diagram of a target monitor device including pursuitmode support in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1c shows a target monitor device including pursuit mode support inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting a method for selective pursuit modemonitoring in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for initiating a targetmonitor device in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting a method for target device switchingin accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing another method for initiating a targetmonitor device in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting another method for target deviceswitching in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to monitoring movement, and inparticular to systems and methods for supporting target pursuit in amonitoring system.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide monitoring systemsthat include a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes: alocation determination circuit and a controller circuit. The locationdetermination circuit is operable to identify a location of themonitoring device, and the controller circuit is operable to: receive arequest to modify a schedule of location updates from a standard modeschedule to a pursuit mode schedule, wherein the standard mode schedulecalls for updating the location of the monitoring device at a lower ratethan the pursuit mode schedule; and cause an increase in the rate ofupdating and reporting the location in accordance with the request tomodify.

In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the monitoringsystem further includes a central monitoring system operable to receivea user request to engage a pursuit mode, and to generate the request tomodify for the monitoring device. In some such instances, the centralmonitoring system is further operable to receive the location from themonitoring device in accordance with the request to modify. In variouscases, the central monitoring system is further operable to set atimeout condition corresponding to a maximum duration of operating themonitoring device in accordance with the pursuit mode schedule.

In one or more instances of the aforementioned embodiments, thecontroller circuit is further operable to modify the schedule oflocation updates from the pursuit mode schedule back to the standardmode schedule upon expiration of a defined maximum duration of operatingthe monitoring device in accordance with the pursuit mode schedule. Insome such instances, the defined maximum duration is thirty minutes.

In one or more instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the standardmode schedule calls for updating the location every three minutes, andthe pursuit mode schedule calls for updating the location every fifteenseconds. In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, thecontroller circuit is further operable to: update a power status of themonitoring device; and provide the power status to a central monitoringsystem. In particular cases, the central monitoring system is operableto: compare the power status of the monitoring device with a thresholdvalue; and provide a power status alert to a user where a combination ofa power status being below the threshold value and modification of theschedule of location updates from the standard mode schedule to thepursuit mode schedule has been implemented. In one or more instances ofthe aforementioned embodiments, the monitor device is attached to ahuman via a strap. In various cases, the location determination circuitis further operable to identify a direction of movement of themonitoring device, and the direction of movement of the monitoringdevice is reported when the monitoring device is operating in accordancewith the pursuit mode schedule.

Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for pursuinga monitor target. Such methods include: providing a monitor deviceassociated with a monitor target, wherein the monitor device includes alocation detection and update circuit operable to identify a location ofthe monitor device and to report the location of the monitor device to acentral monitoring system; receiving the location of the monitor devicein accordance with a standard mode schedule; receiving a request toengage the monitor device in a pursuit mode; commanding the monitoringdevice to operate in the pursuit mode; and receiving the location of themonitor device in accordance with a pursuit mode schedule, where thestandard mode schedule calls for updating the location of the monitoringdevice at a lower rate than the pursuit mode schedule.

Turning to FIG. 1a , a monitoring system 100 including pursuit modecontrol is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention. Monitoring system 100 may be tailored for tracking humansubjects, however, it should be noted that various implementations anddeployments of monitoring system 100 may be tailored for trackingnon-human targets such as, for example, other animals or inanimateassets or objects. Such inanimate assets or objects may include, but arenot limited to, automobiles, boats, equipment, shipping containers orthe like. In one particular embodiment, monitoring system 100 istailored for tracking delivery vehicles. Based upon the disclosureprovided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize avariety of individuals, animals and/or assets that may be monitored inaccordance with different embodiments of the present invention, and/ordifferent monitoring scenarios or systems that may be modified toincorporate one or more features disclosed herein.

Monitoring system 100 includes, but is not limited to, a target monitor120 that is physically coupled to a human subject 110 by a securingdevice 190. In some cases, securing device 190 is a strap that includesa tamper sensor 151 that may be, but is not limited to, a continuitysensor that when broken indicates an error or tamper condition. Further,in some cases, tamper sensor 151 may be implemented as a proximitysensor that is able to detect when it has been moved away from anindividual being monitored. When such movement away from the individualis detected, an error or tamper condition may be indicated. Based on thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a variety of tamper sensors that may be incorporated in eithertarget monitor 120 or securing device 190 to allow for detection ofremoval of target monitor 120 or other improper or unexpected meddlingwith target monitor 120. Further, based upon the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety ofmonitors and/or securing devices that may be appropriate where thetarget of the monitoring is not a human or other animal subject, butrather an asset.

Target monitor 120 is designed to provide the location of human subject110 under a number of conditions. For example, when target monitor 120is capable of receiving wireless GPS location information 130, 131, 152from a sufficient number of GPS satellites 145, 146, 147 respectively,target monitor 120 may use the received wireless GPS locationinformation to calculate or otherwise determine the location of humansubject 110. Alternatively or in addition, the location of a beacon 180that is local to target monitor 120 may be used as the location oftarget monitor 120. As yet another alternative, an AFLT (i.e., advancedforward link trilateration) fix may be established based on cellularcommunication with target monitor 120. It should be noted that othertypes of earth based triangulation may be used in accordance withdifferent embodiments of the present invention. Based on the disclosureprovided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize othertypes of earth based triangulation that may be used.

As yet another alternative, an AFLT fix may be established based oncellular communications between target monitor 120 and a cellularcommunication system 150. Furthermore, when wireless communication link133 between target monitor 120 and cellular communications system 150 isperiodically established, at those times, target monitor 120 may reportstatus and other stored records including location fixes to a centralmonitoring system 160 via wireless communication link 138.

Monitoring system 100 includes, but is not limited to, at least onebeacon 180. Beacons 180 are instrumental for beacon based monitoringsystems. Within FIG. 1, a telemetric wireless link 141 has been depictedbetween beacon 180 a and target monitor 120. Each beacon 180 has anadjustable range to make telemetric wireless contact with target monitor120. At any point in time, depending on each beacon's 180 relativedistance to target monitor 120, none, one, or more than one trackingbeacons 180 may be within transmission range of a single target monitor120. Likewise, it is further conceivable under various circumstancesthat more than one target monitor 120 at times be within in range of asolitary beacon 180.

Telemetric wireless communications path 141 established at times betweentracking beacon 180 a and target monitor 120 illustrates a commonfeature of various different embodiments of the current invention. Someembodiments of the various inventions vary on how, i.e. protocol, andwhat information and/or signaling is passed over wireless link 141. Forexample, in more simplified configurations and embodiments, each beacon180 is limited to repetitively transmitting its own beacon ID andphysical location information. In that way, once target monitor 120 iswithin transmission range of tracking beacon 180 a and establisheswireless or wired reception 141, then target monitor 120 can record andstore received beacon ID and location information. At a later time, forsome embodiments of the present invention, target monitor 120 can thenreport recorded readings from beacons 180 to the central monitoringsystem 160 over the cellular communication system 150 using wirelesslinks 133 and 138 as depicted in FIG. 1. Furthermore, many embodimentsallow for such transmissions and information passing to occur withoutbeing noticed by human subject 110, and unnoticed, automatically, andnear effortlessly central monitoring system 160 is able to establishrecords and track human subject's 110 movements and whereabouts.

In other embodiments or configurations according to the presentinvention, each beacon 180 also transmit status information related toits own device health and information related from each beacon's 180internal tampering, movement, or other sensors via a communicationsystem 170 to central monitoring system 160. This allows for detectionof movement of beacons 180, and establishing some level of confidencethat the location reported by each of beacons 180 is accurate. Variousother details about a beacon based system are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/041,746 entitled “Beacon Based Tracking Devicesand Methods for Using Such” and filed Mar. 4, 2008 by Buck et al. Theentirety of the aforementioned reference is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

Likewise, in some other embodiments, each target monitor 120 contains ahost of their own power status, tampering, shielding, movement, and/orother sensors related to its own device health. While still furtherembodiments also include a host of other measurement transducers withintarget monitor 120 for extracting information, and for later reporting,related to physical properties of human subject 110. For example,measuring for the presence of alcohol and/or other drugs present inhuman subject 110 may be included in some embodiments of target monitor120. As one example, the alcohol sensor discussed in U.S. Pat. No.7,930,927 entitled “Transdermal Portable Alcohol Monitor and Methods forUsing Such” and filed by Cooper et al. on Mar. 4, 2008. The entirety ofthe aforementioned reference is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

Beacons 180 in alternative embodiments of the present invention maycommunicate with central monitoring system 160 independently of targetmonitor 120. The monitoring system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1a showsbeacon 180 b having both a wireless communication link 135 with cellularcommunication system 150, and also illustrates beacon 180 b having ahardwired communication link 139 with land communication system 170.Monitoring system 100 is also shown with beacons 180 a, 180 b, and 180 ceach having hardwired land communication links 140, 139, and 136respectively to land communication system 170. Monitoring system 100further illustrates land communication system 170 having a hardwiredcommunication link 134 to cellular communication system 150, and ahardwired communication link 137 to central monitoring system 160.

In some embodiments of the present invention, beacons 180 are located inareas frequented by human subject 110 where target monitor 120 isincapable of accessing information from the GPS system. Such beaconseliminate the need to perform an AFLT fix and avoid the costs associatedtherewith. As an example, human subject 110 may have a tracking beacon180 placed within his home, and one also placed at his place ofemployment in close proximity to his work area. In this way, the twoplaced beacons, each at different prescribed times, can interact withhis attached target monitor 120 to periodically make reports to centralmonitoring system 160 to track movements and the whereabouts of humansubject 110. All this can be done without incurring the costs associatedwith performing an AFLT fix.

Monitoring system 100 further includes a control station 191 that iscommunicably coupled to central monitoring system 160 via acommunication link 192. In one particular embodiment of the presentinvention, control station 191 is a personal computer including adisplay device, a processor, and/or one or more I/O devices. Based uponthe disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a variety of systems that may be used as control station 191including highly tailored application specific control systems. Astorage medium 194 is communicably coupled to control station 191 andmaintains instructions governing the operation of pursuit mode controlin relation to central monitoring system 160 and target monitor 120.

Central monitoring system 160 includes functionality for sending alertsto a user interaction system 185 when a tracked target ventures into aprohibited zone as updated by the adaptive zone update control, forproviding location information indicating a location of target monitor120, and/or for receiving a request to place target monitor 120 into apursuit mode. Various implementations of the pursuit mode controlimplemented across central monitoring system 160 and target monitor 120are more fully described below in relation to FIGS. 2-6 below. Userinteraction system 185 may be, but is not limited to, a law enforcementcomputer deployed at a dispatch station of the law enforcement facilityor a hand held computer maintained by a law enforcement official. Basedupon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize a variety of user interaction systems 185 that may beused in relation to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein.Further, it should be noted that such a system is not limited to use inrelation to law enforcement.

Turning to FIG. 1b , a block diagram 194 of target monitor device 120including pursuit mode support is shown in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention. As shown, target monitor device120 includes a device ID 121 that may be maintained in a memory 125, andthus is accessible by a controller circuit 127. Controller circuit 127is able to interact with GPS receiver 122 and memory 125 at times forstoring and generating records of successively determined GPS locations.Where target monitor 120 is operating in a standard mode, controllercircuit 127 causes an update and reporting of the location of targetmonitor device via a cellular transceiver 128 and a cellularcommunication system 157 in accordance with a first time period. Incontrast, where target monitor 120 is operating in a pursuit mode,controller circuit 127 causes an update and reporting of the location oftarget monitor device via cellular transceiver 128 and cellularcommunication system 157 in accordance with a second time period. Thesecond time period is substantially shorter than the first time period.In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the first timeperiod is approximately three minutes and the second time period isapproximately every fifteen seconds. Based upon the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other durationsfor the first time period and the second time period in accordance withdifferent embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments ofthe present invention, one or both of the first time period and thesecond time period is/are user programmable. Operating target monitordevice 120 in the pursuit mode consumes substantially more power than inthe standard mode. Controller circuit 127 may be, but is not limited to,an application specific circuit configured to perform control functionsfor target monitor. Memory 125 may be any type of memory known in theart such as, for example, a EEPROM or RAM memory. In some cases wherecontroller circuit 127 executes instructions, such instructions may bemaintained in memory 125.

Controller circuit 127 of target monitor 120 at times functions inconjunction with cellular transceiver 128 to send and receive data andsignals through cellular communication system 190. This link at times isuseful for passing information and/or control signals between a centralmonitoring system (not shown) and multi-purpose monitoring device 120.The information transmitted may include, but is not limited to, locationinformation, alcohol information, and information about the status ofmulti-purpose monitoring device 120. Based on the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety ofinformation that may be transferred via cellular communication system190.

Various embodiments of target monitor 120 include a variety of sensorscapable of determining the status of target monitor 120, and of theindividual associated therewith. For example, a status monitor 126 mayinclude one or more of the following subcomponents: a power statussensor 156 capable of indicating a power status of target monitor 120.The power status may be expressed, for example as a percentage ofbattery life remaining. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, oneof ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of forms in whichpower status may be expressed. In addition, target monitor 120 includesa set of shielding sensors 129 that are capable of determining whethertarget monitor 120 is being shielded from receiving GPS signals and/orif GPS jamming is ongoing, a set of device health indicators 154, atamper sensor 131 capable of determining whether unauthorized access totarget monitor 120 has occurred or whether target monitor 120 has beenremoved from an associated human subject, a motion/proximity sensor 152capable of determining whether target monitor 120 is moving and/orwhether it is within proximity of an individual associated with targetmonitor 120, and/or an alcohol sensor 153 such as that described herein.Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in theart will recognize a variety of shielding sensors, a variety of devicehealth transducers and indicators, a variety of tamper sensors, variousdifferent types of motion sensors, different proximity to human sensors,and various human body physical measurement sensors or transducers thatmay be incorporated into target monitor 120 according to variousdifferent instances and/or embodiments of the present invention.

Turning to FIG. 1c , one implementation 196 of a combination of targetmonitor 120 and strap 190 is shown in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

Turning to FIG. 2, a flow diagram 200 depicts a method for selectivepursuit mode monitoring in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention. Following flow diagram 200, a monitor device isassociated with a monitor target (block 205). Where the monitor targetis a human subject, associating the monitor device with the monitortarget may include placing the monitor device in a pouch maintained bythe human subject or physically attaching the monitoring device to thehuman subject using, for example, a strap or bracelet. Alternatively,where the monitor target is a non-human asset, associating the monitordevice with the monitor target may include placing the monitor deviceinside the target or otherwise attaching the monitor device to thetarget. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate a variety of ways that a monitor device maybe associated with a target.

Initially standard mode monitoring control is engaged (block 210).Standard mode monitoring control requires monitor device 120 to updateits location and report the location based upon a first time period.Such updating includes monitor device 120 enabling location circuitry atthe end of each repeat of the first period to obtain locationinformation, and enabling communication circuitry to transmit thelocation information to central monitoring system 160. The first timeperiod may either be fixed or user programmable, and is selected as abalance between extending the battery life of target monitor 120 andproviding a reasonably updated indication of the location of targetmonitor 120. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, thefirst period is approximately three minutes. Based upon the disclosureprovided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize otherperiods that may be used in relation to different embodiments of thepresent invention.

With the standard mode monitoring control engaged (block 210), locationinformation from the monitor device is received in accordance with thestandard timing (i.e., repetitively at the end of completion of thefirst period) (block 215). Such reception of location informationincludes central monitoring system 160 receiving location informationfrom target monitor 120 via cellular communication system 190 at the endof completion of each of the first period. It should be noted that othercommunication links such as WiFi may be used in relation to otherembodiments of the present invention.

It is determined whether a request to operate in pursuit mode has beenreceived (block 220). Such a request to operate in pursuit mode may bereceived from, for example, user interaction system 185. Where a requestto operate in pursuit mode has not been received (block 220), processingcontinues in accordance with the standard timing of the standard modemonitoring control.

Alternatively, where a request to operate in pursuit mode has beenreceived (block 220), pursuit mode monitoring control is engaged (block225). Pursuit mode monitoring control requires monitor device 120 toupdate its location and report the location based upon a second timeperiod. Such updating includes monitor device 120 enabling locationcircuitry at the end of each repeat of the second period to obtainlocation information, and enabling communication circuitry to transmitthe location information to central monitoring system 160. The secondtime period may either be fixed or user programmable, and modifies thebalance between extending the battery life of target monitor 120 andproviding a reasonably updated indication of the location of targetmonitor 120 of the first time period such that an updated indication ofthe location of target monitor is received more often at the expense ofthe battery life of target monitor 120. In one particular embodiment ofthe present invention, the second period is approximately fifteenseconds. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize other periods that may be used inrelation to different embodiments of the present invention.

With the pursuit mode monitoring control engaged (block 225), locationinformation from the monitor device is received in accordance with thepursuit timing (i.e., repetitively at the end of completion of thesecond period) (block 230). Such reception of location informationincludes central monitoring system 160 receiving location informationfrom target monitor 120 via cellular communication system 190 at the endof completion of each of the second period. Again, it should be notedthat other communication links such as WiFi may be used in relation toother embodiments of the present invention.

It is determined whether a pursuit time out condition has occurred(block 235). To avoid target monitor device 120 being left in pursuitmode and thereby prematurely exhausting its battery life, a timeexpiration is set when target monitor device 120 is initially placed inpursuit mode. Once the period of the time expiration passes asdetermined by a timer either in central monitoring system 160 or targetmonitor 120 (i.e., it is determined that the pursuit time out conditionhas occurred (block 235)), standard mode monitoring control isre-engaged (block 225). The re-engaging is done similar to thatdiscussed above in relation to block 210.

Alternatively, where it is determined that a pursuit time out conditionhas not occurred (block 235), it is determined whether a pursuitdisengage request has been received (block 240). Such a request todisengage may be received from, for example, user interaction system185. Where a request to disengage has not been received (block 240),processing continues in accordance with the standard timing of thepursuit mode monitoring control. Otherwise, where a request to disengagehas been received (block 240), standard mode monitoring control isre-engaged (block 225).

Turning to FIG. 3, a flow diagram 300 shows a method for initiating atarget monitor device in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention. Three basic processing blocks are implemented bycentral monitoring system 160: user interface command processing 380(outlined in dashed lines), command queue processing 385 (outlined indashed lines), and pursuit mode time out processing 390 (outlined indashed lines). Following flow diagram 300, it is determined whether thetarget monitor is to be engaged in pursuit mode (block 305). Thedetermination may be based, for example, by whether a request forpursuit mode has been received by central monitoring system 160 via userinteraction system 185. Where the target monitor is to be engaged inpursuit mode (block 305), a pursuit mode engage request is queued forthe identified target monitor (block 310). This may include, forexample, writing a pursuit mode engage request in a queue maintained bycentral monitoring system 160 where it awaits a read by the particulartarget monitor 120. As another example, this may include transmitting anupdate to the particular target monitor 120 which accepts the update toa queue maintained by target monitor 120. The request to engage inpursuit mode is logged in central monitoring system 160 as a pursuitmode engage request event (block 315).

It is then determined whether the target monitor retrieved the pursuitmode engage request (block 320). Where the pursuit mode request has beenretrieved (block 320), it is assumed that the pursuit mode has beenengaged by the particular target monitor and as such a pursuit modeengage initiated event is logged by central monitoring system 160 (block325). A pursuit mode timer expiration is initiated (block 330). Thepursuit mode timer is programmed for a maximum time to allow targetmonitor to operate in pursuit mode. After initiation, the pursuit modetimer begins to count indicating the time that target monitor 120 is inthe pursuit mode. Absent a command to leave the pursuit mode, targetmonitor 120 continues to operate in the pursuit mode until the pursuitmode timer expires.

It is determined whether the pursuit mode timer has expired (block 335).Again, absent a command to leave the pursuit mode, target monitor 120continues to operate in the pursuit mode until the pursuit mode timerexpires (block 335). Alternatively, where the pursuit mode timer hasexpired (block 335), the pursuit mode engage request (originally writtenin block 310) is de-queued (block 340) and a pursuit mode timed outevent is logged (block 345). This causes target monitor 120 to revertback to standard mode operation.

Where the pursuit mode timer has not yet expired (block 335), it isdetermined whether a request to cancel the pursuit mode has beenreceived (block 350). The determination may be based, for example, bywhether a request to cancel the pursuit mode has been received bycentral monitoring system 160 via user interaction system 185. Where acancellation request has been received (block 350), a pursuit mode timerexpiration is forced (block 355) and a pursuit mode cancellation eventis recorded (block 360). This causes target monitor 120 to revert backto standard mode operation.

Turning to FIG. 4, a flow diagram 400 depicts a method for target deviceswitching in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.Following flow diagram 400, target monitor 120 determines whether it hasreceived a command to enter the pursuit mode (block 405). This commandis received from central monitoring system 160 via cellularcommunication system 150. Where a pursuit mode command is received(block 405), position acquisition and reporting is selected to conformto the timing of the pursuit mode (block 415). Otherwise, positionacquisition and reporting is selected to conform to the timing of thestandard mode (block 410).

Turning to FIG. 5, a flow diagram 500 shows another method forinitiating a target monitor device in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention. Three basic processing blocks areimplemented by central monitoring system 160: user interface commandprocessing 580 (outlined in dashed lines), command queue processing 585(outlined in dashed lines), and pursuit mode time out processing 590(outlined in dashed lines). Following flow diagram 500, it is determinedwhether the target monitor is to be engaged in pursuit mode (block 505).The determination may be based, for example, by whether a request forpursuit mode has been received by central monitoring system 160 via userinteraction system 185. Where the target monitor is to be engaged inpursuit mode (block 505), a pursuit mode engage request is queued forthe identified target monitor (block 510). This may include, forexample, writing a pursuit mode engage request in a queue maintained bycentral monitoring system 160 where it awaits a read by the particulartarget monitor 120. As another example, this may include transmitting anupdate to the particular target monitor 120 which accepts the update toa queue maintained by target monitor 120. The request to engage inpursuit mode is logged in central monitoring system 160 as a pursuitmode engage request event (block 515).

It is then determined whether the target monitor retrieved the pursuitmode engage request (block 520). Where the pursuit mode request has beenretrieved (block 520), it is assumed that the pursuit mode has beenengaged by the particular target monitor and as such a pursuit modeengage initiated event is logged by central monitoring system 160 (block525). A pursuit mode timer expiration is initiated (block 530). Thepursuit mode timer is programmed for a maximum time to allow targetmonitor to operate in pursuit mode. After initiation, the pursuit modetimer begins to count indicating the time that target monitor 120 is inthe pursuit mode. Absent a command to leave the pursuit mode, targetmonitor 120 continues to operate in the pursuit mode until the pursuitmode timer expires.

As discussed more fully below in relation to FIG. 6, target monitor 120reports battery status back to central monitoring system 160. Using thisbattery status, central monitoring system 160 determines whether theremaining battery life of target monitor 120 is below a threshold (block532). This threshold may either be fixed or user programmable. Where thetarget monitor power is below the threshold (block 532), a power alarmis asserted (block 534). This power alarm may warn of an exhaustion ofthe battery in target monitor 120 within a specified period.

It is determined whether the pursuit mode timer has expired (block 535).Again, absent a command to leave the pursuit mode, target monitor 120continues to operate in the pursuit mode until the pursuit mode timerexpires (block 535). Alternatively, where the pursuit mode timer hasexpired (block 535), the pursuit mode engage request (originally writtenin block 510) is de-queued (block 540) and a pursuit mode timed outevent is logged (block 545). This causes target monitor 120 to revertback to standard mode operation.

Where the pursuit mode timer has not yet expired (block 535), it isdetermined whether a request to cancel the pursuit mode has beenreceived (block 550). The determination may be based, for example, bywhether a request to cancel the pursuit mode has been received bycentral monitoring system 160 via user interaction system 185. Where acancellation request has been received (block 550), a pursuit mode timerexpiration is forced (block 555) and a pursuit mode cancellation eventis recorded (block 560). This causes target monitor 120 to revert backto standard mode operation.

Turning to FIG. 6, a flow diagram 600 depicts another method for targetdevice switching in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. Following flow diagram 600, target monitor 120 determineswhether it has received a command to enter the pursuit mode (block 605).This command is received from central monitoring system 160 via cellularcommunication system 150. Where a pursuit mode command is received(block 605), position acquisition and reporting is selected to conformto the timing of the pursuit mode (block 615) and the battery status oftarget monitor 120 is reported back to central monitoring system 160(block 620). Otherwise, position acquisition and reporting is selectedto conform to the timing of the standard mode (block 610).

In conclusion, the present invention provides for novel systems,devices, and methods for monitoring individuals and/or assets. Whiledetailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the invention havebeen given above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalentswill be apparent to those skilled in the art without varying from thespirit of the invention. Therefore, the above description should not betaken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A monitoring system, the monitoring systemcomprising: a monitoring device including: a location determinationcircuit operable to identify a location of the monitoring device; and acontroller circuit operable to: receive a request to modify a scheduleof location updates from a standard mode schedule to a pursuit modeschedule, wherein the standard mode schedule calls for updating thelocation of the monitoring device at a lower rate than the pursuit modeschedule; and cause an increase in the rate of updating and reportingthe location in accordance with the request to modify.
 2. The monitoringsystem of claim 1, the monitoring system further comprising: a centralmonitoring system operable to receive a user request to engage a pursuitmode, and to generate the request to modify for the monitoring device.3. The monitoring system of claim 2, wherein the central monitoringsystem is further operable to receive the location from the monitoringdevice in accordance with the request to modify.
 4. The monitoringsystem of claim 3, wherein the central monitoring system is furtheroperable to set a timeout condition corresponding to a maximum durationof operating the monitoring device in accordance with the pursuit modeschedule.
 5. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the controllercircuit is further operable to modify the schedule of location updatesfrom the pursuit mode schedule back to the standard mode schedule uponexpiration of a defined maximum duration of operating the monitoringdevice in accordance with the pursuit mode schedule.
 6. The monitoringsystem of claim 5, wherein the defined maximum duration is greater thanthirty minutes.
 7. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein thestandard mode schedule calls for updating the location every threeminutes, and wherein the pursuit mode schedule calls for updating thelocation every fifteen seconds.
 8. The monitoring system of claim 1,wherein the controller circuit is further operable to: update a powerstatus of the monitoring device; and provide the power status to acentral monitoring system.
 9. The monitoring system of claim 8, whereinthe central monitoring system is operable to: compare the power statusof the monitoring device with a threshold value; and provide a powerstatus alert to a user where a combination of a power status being belowthe threshold value and modification of the schedule of location updatesfrom the standard mode schedule to the pursuit mode schedule has beenimplemented.
 10. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein themonitoring device is attached to a human.
 11. The monitoring system ofclaim 10, wherein the monitoring device includes a strap operable toattach the monitoring device to the human.
 12. The monitoring system ofclaim 1, wherein the location determination circuit is further operableto identify a direction of movement of the monitoring device, andwherein the direction of movement of the monitoring device is reportedwhen the monitoring device is operating in accordance with the pursuitmode schedule.
 13. A method for pursuing a monitor target, the methodcomprising: providing a monitor device associated with the monitortarget, wherein the monitor device includes a location detection andupdate circuit operable to identify a location of the monitor device andto report the location of the monitor device to a central monitoringsystem; receiving the location of the monitor device in accordance witha standard mode schedule; receiving a request to engage the monitordevice in a pursuit mode; commanding the monitoring device to operate inthe pursuit mode; receiving the location of the monitor device inaccordance with a pursuit mode schedule, wherein the standard modeschedule calls for updating the location of the monitoring device at alower rate than the pursuit mode schedule.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the method further comprises: setting a timeout conditioncorresponding to a maximum duration of operating the monitoring devicein accordance with the pursuit mode schedule.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the method further comprises: commanding the monitoringdevice to operate in a standard mode in accordance with the standardmode schedule upon completion of the timeout condition.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: automaticallydisengaging the monitoring device from the pursuit mode upon completionof the timeout condition.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the methodfurther comprises: receiving a power status of the monitoring device;comparing the power status with a threshold value; and providing a powerstatus alert to a user where a combination of a power status being belowthe threshold value and modification of the schedule of location updatesfrom the standard mode schedule to the pursuit mode schedule has beenimplemented.
 18. A monitoring system, the monitoring system comprising:a user processing system operable to accept a mode request to engage apursuit mode from a user; a central monitoring system operable toreceive the mode request to engage the pursuit mode from the userprocessing system and to generate a command to modify a schedule oflocation updates by a monitoring device associated with a monitor targetfrom a standard mode schedule to a pursuit mode schedule, wherein thestandard mode schedule calls for updating the location of the monitoringdevice at a lower rate than the pursuit mode schedule; and wherein themonitoring device includes: a location determination circuit operable toidentify the location of the monitoring device; and a controller circuitoperable to receive the command to modify the schedule of locationupdates from the standard mode schedule to the pursuit mode schedule;and cause an increase in the rate of updating and reporting the locationin accordance with the command to modify.
 19. The monitoring system ofclaim 18, wherein the central monitoring system is further operable toset a timeout condition corresponding to a maximum duration of operatingthe monitoring device in accordance with the pursuit mode schedule. 20.The monitoring system of claim 19, wherein the controller circuit isfurther operable to modify the schedule of location updates from thepursuit mode schedule back to the standard mode schedule upon expirationof a defined maximum duration of operating the monitoring device inaccordance with the pursuit mode schedule.